Harry & David launches winery
MEDFORD, Ore. - Harry & David Holdings Inc. is getting into the wine business.
The venerable — and recently bankrupt —Medford-based specialty gift and food retailer has established itself as a winery. All the company's wines will be made in Oregon using local grapes.
Partnering with southern Oregon winemaker Linda Donovan of Pallet Wine Co., Harry & David has developed a collection that includes five reds and four whites.
"We expect that this new venture will not only benefit the local wine community of southern Oregon," said Harry & David CEO Craig Johnson in a statement, "but will also build awareness around southern Oregon as a travel destination for wine connoisseurs."
The company will sell the wines, priced between $15 and $30, at its Country Village stores in Medford and Woodburn. It's also applying for the permits that will enable it to ship wine to customers. The company already has an extensive online shipping network for its fruits, chocolates, home decor and other products.
Harry & David filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2011 after years of declining sales. It exited bankruptcy six months later.
Johnson, a former supply chain operator for Medford-based guitar retailer Guitar Center, joined as CEO in October 2011.
The Portland Business Journal is a KATU.com news partner.
What do they mean, "Medford based Guitar Center?" Â Guitar Center is based out of Westlake, CA, a sortof suburb of Los Angeles.
Now you can have wine to go with their great relish slathered on their chocolate munchies.
Never heard of them, probably why they didnt make it before!
Wonderful. Now I can not buy their overpriced wines, just like I didn't buy their overpriced snacks.
I like my wine, but I doubt I'll buy any Harry & David, all of their product just seems far too over-rated for my taste.